Welcome to the forum Andrewson. As you said a kilt is not compulsory for Scottish Country dancing though it is far more comfortable than trousers, so you were right in that you wouldn't want new recruits to be dissuaded by believing they needed a kilt right away. Better that they should start the dancing habit then choose to become kilted later. Scottish Country Dancing is very healthy exercise - Ann and I used to go twice a week until we had to give it up seven years ago when Ann had a stroke, but I really do miss the exercise.